Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Weight Watchers - Week 4

So I gained .4 lbs this week. I'm thrilled with that number considering it's my special time of the month and also because I ate a ton of things this past week that I'm not proud of! Not to mention that I didn't do ANY type of activity all week when I'm used to walking or using the elliptical.

Today is a new day. My goals this week are:
  • Exercise at least 4 days
  • Plan out meals ahead of time for healthier choices
  • Don't be so sloppy tracking my points
  • Weigh and measure my food
  • Eat more snacks that contain an actual "nutritional value" - no wasted calories
  • Drink more water
  • PLAN for the holiday weekend. This may mean bringing my own food to cook-outs or eating a small meal before I go so I'm not as tempted. I will also remember to eat foods that I rarely get to enjoy. I don't want to waste points on stuff I can have on any given day.

I'm still down 8.8 lbs from when I started and still totally motivated....bring on week 5!!!!

Monday, June 29, 2009

Newell, WV

So the weekend was a whirl-wind....... I worked until 3pm on Friday and then headed to my sisters house so we could load up her vehicle and head to Newell, WV for the FiestaWare Tent Sale. We arrived at our destination about 10:30pm, checked into the hotel and got some shut-eye! Saturday was the tent sale and it was totally worth the trip.....Well, some may beg to differ considering the cost of the trip (including gas, hotel, food) was about 2-3 times more then what we spent at the sale.

Anywho........I got some great finds and I can't wait to go back next year!

Here we are waiting in line for our tickets.....it was mighty chilly out.....I think in my picture my teeth are actuallly chattering!!


And here are all my goodies.......I ended up with 32 pieces of FiestaWare so not a bad trip!! (and in case you can't tell....most of my kitchen dishes are ORANGE)


A HUGE thank you to my sister for such wonderful memories......I had a blast, I hope you did!

Friday, June 26, 2009

FiestaWare Tent Sale

Today I am leaving with my sister to head to Newell, WV where we will be attending the Semi-Annual FiestaWare Clearance Tent Sale.......yippee, yahoo.....I'm so excited!

Homer Laughlin China Company will put up a big tent and sell all of the "seconds" they have on hand. The sale is held twice a year in June and October. My sister went last year and brought me back some goodies, which in turn, resulted in my infactuation with all things FiestaWare.....thanks Rachel!!
From what I hear, the tent is huge and filled with pallets of FiestaWare. There is no guarantee what is going to be there, but it is all the colors and items currently being produced. It is not arranged in any particular fashion, you just have to dig for what you want. If you look at the pieces long enough you can usually see why they were considered to be "seconds. They may have some small bumps on them, uneven glaze or maybe a dark speck or too! To be honest, you would never even know the pieces my sister got me were "seconds".

My sister has also informed me that we need to bring socks to wear on our hands to wipe off the dust and dirt.....I just can't wait to see a bunch of people, all frantically searching through bins with socks on their hands. It's going to be exciting....and maybe even a little bit scary!


Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Staying on Plan

Over the past 3 weeks that I have been on Weight Watchers, I've been doing a lot of online reading....The WW website has been helpful. I love to read the community posts for topics such as fitness, health, recipe/snack suggestions, how to handle special occassions, restaurant advice and general topics for newbies, like myself.

But, the one thing that always seem to pop up in these posts, is that even after making healthy food choices and staying active that people are gaining weight instead of losing. They become frustrated and tend to lose all motivation instead of congratulating themselves for their hard work and keeping positive about the weeks to come.

I know this is easy for me to say now, because I have been lucky enough to "lose" weight each week, but I know my day is coming when I step on that scale and it shows a gain. I can only hope that I will be able to stay on plan, eat healthy foods and keep my chin up. I understand that no one starts super motivated and stays super motivated every day for the rest of their life. That's not realistic. It seems totally normal to lose motivation or see your motivation slipping during your journey. That doesn't mean that I have failed, I'm just temporarily distracted and need to get re-motivated.

If, and when, I get to the point where I am losing motivation, I would like to look back at my original reasons for changing my life. As of now, my motivators are:
  • I want to fit into my clothes again
  • I want to look beautiful and healthy on my wedding day
  • I want to be able to look at pictures of myself
  • I want my self-esteem back
  • I want to be comfortable and not so self conscious all of the time
  • I want to be healthy
  • I want to become fit...and not like "run a marathon" type of fit, but would like to be able to do some moderate excercise without becoming totally winded
  • I want to feel sexy (sorry Mom......)

Some day I want to be able to look back at this list and check off these items and make new motivators. That's the great thing about this journey.....as I go along my goals will change....I have a feeling "I" will change. I'm hoping that I can push myself, believe in myself, and find strength that I didn't know I had.

But for now.......I'm super motivated and I'm going to do whatever it takes to keep it that way :)

Weight Watchers...Week 3

Today was weigh in for Week 3.........I LOST ANOTHER 3 LBS............that gives me a total of 9.2 lbs lost. I am so giddy! I reached my first goal of 5%, so today I set a new goal!

My biggest challenge........I attended a 1st birthday party on Saturday for my best friends daughter
These cupcakes and I went around and around but the cupcake finally won!!
But to be honest, I only had one cupcake and I scraped almost all of the frosting off before I ate it. (The woman who made the cupcakes is on weight watchers also and she warned me about the frosting ahead of time).

I'm all fired up.......bring on week 4!!

Friday, June 19, 2009

Roll with the punches.......

I'm back on track...........My minor meltdown the other day has turned into something so positive.

Wednesday night I made WW Deep Dish Pizza Casserole and it was a hit!! Mister and I had leftovers last night. Mmmm good!!

Tonight we have Lil D so we are going to make these. I love me some good wings so I'm excited!

Saturday we are out of town but on Sunday this is on the menu.

Mister and I went shopping the other night and got all the ingrediants to make 9 meals. I am not one who likes to cook, but I can't wait to try new things! I'll pass along the likes/dislikes sometime next week.

Happy Friday!!

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Veil or No Veil???

Through this whole wedding planning process, I've spent little time thinking about my hair for the day of. I knew from the beginning that I was NOT going to grow my hair out for the wedding just to cut it the day after. I have very fine hair and when it's long it's just not attractive. It just kind of lays there lifeless. For the past couple years I have kept my hair in an angled bob and I just love it. I play around with the length here and there....growing my sides down to below my chin in the fall/winter and then cutting it up above my chin for the spring/summer, but that's about as creative as I get.

As far as the wedding day, I guess I had envisioned myself wearing a tiara, but I'm not sure i want a veil.......I know, it sounds crazy doesn't it? A bride who doesn't want to wear a veil? What ?!?!

Well, today I came across this picture from The Perfect Pallete and I totally fell in love. She even has the same haircut as me, so for the first time I was able to get a "sense" of what I might look like.

Is a birdage veil in my future? What do you think?

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Weight Watchers Breakdown.....

So last night I had a minor breakdown....I was hungry, tired and stressed from work and my first initial reaction when I got home was to grab some junk food to "make it all better". I was home alone and I knew that nobody would ever know if I "cheated" on my WW. As soon as I opened the cupboard I started crying. I knew I didn't want to eat any junk food, I just wanted that instant gratification, that instant high, that instant stress reliever. As I've mentioned before...I'm an emotional eater! But I realized at that exact moment that eating some horrible fat-induced snack wasn't going to make me feel better........what would make me feel better was jumping on the scale and rewarding my accomplishments. So that's what I did...I jumped on the scale and was .4 lbs lighter then I was that morning! THAT was my instant gratification! Then I made myself a salad and all the world was right again!

I was thinking today on my drive to work about last night's minor meltdown and I realized that my problem with WW is that I'm getting bored with my food, since I tend to eat the same meals over and over again and I also tend to eat most of my meals separate from my fiance which I don't like at all. I like to make a meal and have us both enjoy it, but lately I just fend for myself and he does the same. I ordered a couple WW cookbooks that arrived in the mail on Monday but I haven't had time to go through them yet. So I decided once I got to work that I would search the internet......and that's when i came across this amazing blog. I couldn't believe all the recipes and the variety of meals that were on there.....all WW approved with the points already counted out. My boring life of salads and veggies is coming to an end....today! I printed off about 20 recipes and can't wait to go to the store to pick up my essential items I will need to make them. I'm even convinced that my fiance will eat these too...right alongside of me! Just like old times!

I'm so excited....I'm almost a little too giddy! Tell me these don't make your mouth water.....

Whole Wheat Pancakes

Macaroni Salad

Shrimp & Zuccini with Bowties

Baked Chicken Parmesan
Petite Meatloaves

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Fun Cakes Rental

Wedding cakes are the center of any wedding party. Brides dream about their cake, however the cost of wedding cakes can skyrocket, also the possibility of falling over during transportation, heat and humidity for the outdoor weddings can be a major concern.

Fun Cakes Rental out of Grandville, MI provides a service where you can rent a wedding cake. Yes, you read correctly...You can RENT a wedding cake!! The main cake is covered with real fondant with the looks and feel of a real cake, however the inside is made of foam and there is a small compartment to place a small portion of edible cake for the ceremony. After the couple "feeds" each other, the display cake is taken back into the kitchen and the guests are served regular sheet cakes from your local bakery.

A lot of times people do not need, or cannot afford, a huge cake, but they want the impact of a large cake. This is a nice way of doing that. Not to mention this can save you a ton of money. You can have the cake of your dreams and still stay in your price range.

You can choose from many pre-designed cakes or you can design your own....here are a couple of my favorites:

Weight Watchers - Week 2

I lost 2.2 lbs this week......Yahoo! Not quite as dramatic as week one, but I am still ecstatic!

This week was more difficult for me in the sense that I was out of my normal element on more than one occassion. I went to the Air Zoo and to M.I.S for the Nascar race but I managed to plan ahead and stay within the point range I had alloted myself. I used more of my weekly points this week and I only really had one day of activity....unless you want to count walking around at the air zoo and the nascar race.

I am still so happy........that's 6.2 lbs in just 2 weeks! I am so pumped and already looking forward to challenging myself this week.

I have already accomplished more then what I really thought I would, so today I am on cloud nine!

Monday, June 15, 2009

Thankful.....

As most of you know, my fiance is a paraplegic as a result of a car accident. The accident happened before he and I knew each other so I've been lucky enough to only know the man he is today, the man that I am deeply and totally in love with. We have briefly discussed the accident, but more about the details and never really about the emotional aspect of it all. For some reason, lately he has been discussing with me more and more about the emotional aspect of his situation. About the accident itself and how his brother will always live with the fact that he was the one driving, how his family, especially his mom, coped during the months he was in a coma, about the emotional state he was left in when his wife couldn't deal with the situation and divorced him, how every aspect of his world was turned upside down and inside out.

I know those memories are not easy for him, but the fact that we can finally talk about them after all this time brings a smile to my face. This may sound weird, but I am so thankful for that accident. It has made him stronger and I truly believe that there is nothing in this world he can't overcome. No matter what life throws at him (or us), we will be able to come out on top.

And as I'm driving to work today I reminded myself how lucky I am. I am so thankful for all the happiness he brings to my life, but most of all I am thankful for him!

I just found this blog today and I couldn't help but to compare my story with hers. Obviously the characters are different and the exact details aren't similar, but the way this husband and wife are still so much in love after such a tragic accident leads me to believe that my love for my fiance will withstand the test of time.....and only one word describes my feeling about that.....THANKFUL!

Thursday, June 11, 2009

I'm bitter....What are you?

You Are Bitter


You aren't bitter at the world, even though you have a strong personality. Instead, you are sophisticated and cultured. You appreciate acquired tastes.You are very powerful. You have the ability to change a room's energy.While some may find you disagreeable, your points of view are intelligent and interesting.

http://blogthings.com/whattasteareyouquiz/

Stress.....

A couple years ago I was seeing a therapist, for many reasons, but stress was a major one. Today I was going through some old paperwork in my office and I came across a folder the therapist gave me and inside was the following information about stress......There is someone very dear to me who I think could use this information so i thought I would post it.

Modern life is full of hassles, deadlines, frustrations, and demands. For many people, stress is so commonplace that it has become a way of life. Stress isn’t always bad. In small doses, it can help you perform under pressure and motivate you to do your best. But when you’re constantly running in emergency mode, your mind and body pay the price.

Stress is a normal physical response to events that make you feel threatened or upset your balance in some way. the body's defenses kick into high gear in a rapid, automatic process known as the “fight-or-flight” reaction, or the stress response.

The stress response is the body’s way of protecting you. When working properly, it helps you stay focused, energetic, and alert. In emergency situations, stress can save your life – giving you extra strength to defend yourself, for example, or spurring you to slam on the brakes to avoid an accident.

The stress response also helps you rise to meet challenges. Stress is what keeps you on your toes during a presentation at work, sharpens your concentration when you’re attempting the game-winning free throw, or drives you to study for an exam when you'd rather be watching TV.

But beyond a certain point, stress stops being helpful and starts causing major damage to your health, your mood, your productivity, your relationships, and your quality of life.

Because of the widespread damage stress can cause, it’s important to know your own limit. Your ability to tolerate stress depends on many factors, including the quality of your relationships, your general outlook on life, your emotional intelligence, and genetics.

Common external causes of stress
Not all stress is caused by external factors. Stress can also be self-generated:

Major life changes
Work
Relationship difficulties
Financial problems
Being too busy
Children and family

It’s important to learn how to recognize when your stress levels are out of control. The most dangerous thing about stress is how easily it can creep up on you. You get used to it. It starts to feels familiar – even normal. You don’t notice how much it’s affecting you, even as it takes a heavy toll.


The signs and symptoms of stress overload can be almost anything. Stress affects the mind, body, and behavior in many ways, and everyone experiences stress differently.

You may feel like the stress in your life is out of your control, but you can always control the way you respond. Managing stress is all about taking charge: taking charge of your thoughts, your emotions, your schedule, your environment, and the way you deal with problems. Stress management involves changing the stressful situation when you can, changing your reaction when you can’t, taking care of yourself, and making time for rest and relaxation.

I hope this is helpful for those of you with "too much on your plate" right now.

I'm curious, what causes stress in your life and what do you do to control it?

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Weight Watchers - Week 1

I lost 4 lbs.....yippee! My goal was 1 lb but I was hoping for at least 2. You can imagine my excitment when it was 4 whole lbs.

Week one wasn't as hard as I had anticipated it to be. I managed to handle myself while dining out and even stayed within my points for a trip out with a girlfriend for drinks.

Wish me luck for week 2. I intend to use the elliptical more this week so I hope I can stay motivated.

FOUR WHOLE FREAKIN POUNDS IN ONE WEEK........YAH HOOOOO!!!

Monday, June 8, 2009

"Step" Parenting

I've got to get personal for minute (or two).........I've had my ups and downs with my soon-to-be step son. Lately it's been nothing but "downs" with him and I'm really close to my wits end. Being a step mom (or soon-to-be) puts me in an odd position, parenting-wise. I have to walk a fine line of being a parent to children not-ours-but-ours. It can be like walking through a mine field sometimes. The threat of being at odds with your fiance because you're at odds with his son is ever-prevalent.

I've tried giving him the cold shoulder and not interacting with him when I'm upset in hopes that he will learn that I will not tolerate certain behavior. He needs to understand that I will not be treated with disrespect and that there are consequences for such behavior. Note: This has not been as successful as I had intended.

I really want to handle this the right way, so I decided it was time for another family meeting. We all sat in the kitchen yesterday and I hashed out my concerns and so did my fiance (in agreement with me on most topics). I just wish I could get inside this little teenage head and see what is going on.

After buying my house and having the fiance move in, we had our first-ever family meeting with his son. We incorporated this document into our household and for quite some time it went over very well:

Parent/Child Household Rules and Responsibilities Contract
Because I am part of this family I understand the following:
· I will be responsible for completing my chores each day by 6pm. This will include such things as, picking up after myself, dishes, garbage and yard work. I will do my best to do this task without being asked.
· I will keep my room tidy with bed made and laundry taken care of. Dirty clothes will be put in the hamper and clean clothes will be put in the dresser/closet.
· I will take good care of the pets by making sure they have food/water. I will let the dog outside when needed and make sure fish tank is always clean.
· I will complete any additional chores or tasks that my parents assign me, beyond the list above, without whining, complaining, throwing a fit, etc. And I will always do these tasks to the best of my abilities.
· I will always put 100% effort into school and homework. All homework will be completed after I return home from school.
· I will keep my body, hair and teeth clean. Showers or baths will be taken at least every other day and teeth will be brushed daily.
· I will eat all meals (including snacks) at the kitchen bar or dining room table. I will ask permission before eating any snacks and will clear my dishes after each meal and rinse clean.
· I understand that bedtime is 9pm on school nights and 12am (midnight) on weekends.
· I will talk nicely. No cussing, inappropriate language, yelling or interrupting conversations.
· I will receive permission before using the computer and my usage will be monitored accordingly.
· I understand that “No!” means “No!” and I will not ask again.
· I will always respect other family members by knocking on the door before entering.
· I will always receive permission before playing the Wii and all equipment will be taken care of properly when I am finished.
· I will remove my shoes at the door.
· I understand that I must receive permission before going anywhere at any time. A curfew will be set at a specified time.
· I will be truthful at all times.
· I will receive permission before using the phones to make a call.
· I will maintain a good relationship with my sister and respect the family at all times.


If I fail to abide by these rules, my parents can and will take away privileges as appropriate. This can include taking away my cell phone, restricting my computer/tv time, restricting my social time including skate boarding, and any other privilege they decide upon.
My parents reserve the right to make exceptions to these rules at any time, for any reason.

The above document has been re-introduced and I'm hoping this will eliminate my need to yell, to feel like a prison guard or cleaning police. I do not want to engage in any more stressful arguments but would rather walk away with some success stories to share.

Don't get me wrong, there are certainly some benefits to being a step mom....You don't have to give birth, go through an uncomfortable pregnancy, gain weight, retain water or have a hard labor. I also don't have any of those poopy diaper changes either!! But in the same breath, I've also never been a "mother" before and I'm not sure if I'm doing this right. I think being a first-time-mom to a teenage boy who isn't biologically yours, is tougher than I ever anticipated. Any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated.......

Love the step kids like you gave birth to them and respect that you did not"

Friday, June 5, 2009

Ann Taylor......

I wish it was warmer here so I could wear something cute and comfy..... like one of these dresses from Ann Taylor Loft





Thursday, June 4, 2009

Boredom is a Killer......

For the past 3 weeks it seems like every day just drags on and on and on and on and on and on.....you get the picture! How is it possible that today is only Thursday? I feel like I have already worked 6 days this week and I'm only just starting day 4. Is it because we are inching closer to summer? Is it because I love, love, love my weekends? Is it because the weather outside is nice and it sucks being cooped up in my office? Is it the idea that I know there are people that aren't at work right now and I want to be with them (my fiance, my mom, my brother)? Is it because I don't like my job? Or maybe it's because I'm so BORED with my job.

I'm going to assume it's because I'm bored. We are slower than normal due to the state of the economy and things are very monotonous. Every day I do the SAME thing......I'm to the point where I could do my job blindfolded with one hand tied behind my back. I'm not "pushed" anymore......I feel like my brain is not used to it's maximum potential and I'm scared I'm losing my smarts! haha......that sounds funny!

Only 7 more hours until I get to end my day and go home....wish me luck and pray I don't die of boredom!

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Weight Watchers

Today I joined Weight Watchers!

My daily point allowance is 21 and after adding up what I ate today it was 26.5! Much better then what I thought it would have been since I didn't initally plan on beginning WW today (spur of the moment decision). I also walked for 30 minutes tonight and I felt great when I was done! IT'S A START.....

Wish me luck!!

Keepsake Card Box


White with Black Damask Box with Black Bow and Picture Frame that stands on top of the Box. Simple place your 4" x 6" photo in the frame! Great for Bridal Showers, Wedding Cards, etc!

I bought this at Michael's a month or so ago and it was cheap, adorable and damask!!!

Monday, June 1, 2009

Rainy Day Monday

It's a rainy day here in good 'ole Michigan!! Thunderstorms for the next 3 days with winds up to 20 mph......Yuck!

"The best thing one can do when it's raining is to let it rain" quote by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow